WHO Warns of Falsified Leukemia Drug in Supply Chain

The World Health Organization issued a warning about fake versions of Iclusig (ponatinib) that have been circulating throughout Europe and the Americas.

A wholesaler in Switzerland purchased packs of 15mg Iclusig and the market authorization holder confirmed that they were falsified. A further investigation revealed two versions (15mg and 45 mg) of falsified Iclusig packs are being traded globally.

After laboratory analyses, it was confirmed that neither of the falsified packs contained ponatinib. Instead, they both contained paracetamol, a common pain and fever medicine.